Postdoctoral Researcher - Media & Web Diets Observatory

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated Postdoctoral Researcher: Media & Web Diets Observatory (remote) to join our interdisciplinary team at the University of Amsterdam. This role is ideal for those passionate about understanding how individuals engage with media and the internet in their daily lives. As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will contribute to the establishment of a significant longitudinal dataset that will be utilized by a growing network of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) researchers.

What You'll Do

• Design, implement, and maintain the Media & Web Diets Observatory (MWDO) following FAIR principles.
• Identify relevant platforms and sources for Media & Web Diets individual behavior, including media exposure data.
• Develop and deploy data donation scripts for various sources.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of self-report questionnaires for the MWDO.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the SSH field in the Netherlands to ensure data relevance for a broad range of research projects.
• Initiate and support pilot studies using the MWDO.
• Conduct your own research on how web and media diets influence individual characteristics, attitudes, and behavior.

Requirements

• PhD in communication science, computational social science, or a related discipline.
• Experience in designing and implementing longitudinal data collection methods.
• Strong interest in methodological work with demonstrated experience in quantitative methods.
• Web development skills, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and/or TypeScript.
• Familiarity with frameworks such as React or Vue.js is a plus.
• Advanced analytical skills using R and Python, particularly in longitudinal data analysis.
• Experience coordinating with technical teams and external partners in an academic context.
• Professional command of English (C1-level CEFR or equivalent); Dutch proficiency is a plus.

Nice to Have

• Experience with natural language processing and automated content analysis.
• Familiarity with Git and DevOps practices.
• Knowledge of academic research infrastructures in the social sciences.

What We Offer

• Salary range of €4,412 to €5,705 based on experience.
• 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• Temporary employment of 30.4 hours per week for an initial term of 2 years.
• Opportunity to attend training courses and national/international events.
• Part of the ODISSEI network, collaborating with leading Dutch research institutes.